5 Minutes with… Chris Osborne

In this edition of 5 Minutes with… interview, we spoke to Chris Osborne, Sales professional at Hundegger, and learn about his career from furniture to future-proofing timber construction. Chris has carved a unique path in the industry.

With more than four decades of experience, his story is one of global adventure, machinery innovation, and a deep love of wood.

What first brought your attention to a career in timber engineering?

My career began with a love of wood.

After four years studying at the London College of Furniture, I graduated in 1981 and took my first job as a sales rep for Wadkin, visiting factories and soaking up knowledge. That early exposure to manufacturing inspired me to launch a kitchen and bedroom furniture business.

But when the early 1990s recession hit, I packed my bags and spent a decade living and working in New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore. I stayed close to the timber industry throughout, working as managing director for companies like Weinig and Homag.

In 2013, I joined Hundegger, and I’m still energised by being part of iconic timber structures, like the 17m glulam trusses for the Liverpool University building, processed using the Hundegger K2 in Barnsley.

What has been your proudest moment in your career to date?

I take real pride in the people I’ve worked with. Many of the students and early-career professionals who joined my businesses have gone on to senior roles across the industry.

I’ve also enjoyed success in product development and rebranding, including a major project in Asia that led to 200 machine sales in just two years.

One of the biggest milestones, though, has been growing Hundegger’s UK and Ireland sales from 20 to nearly 200 machines in 11 years. Many of these are in TRA member factories.

That growth has enabled us to invest in a dedicated UK-based service division, which supports our customers more effectively.

What advice would you give someone starting out in your profession?

Never stop learning. If I could do it again, I’d focus more on self-education and training.

My advice is to choose your company carefully, look for clear opportunities for progression and make sure their goals match your own. If you have a genuine interest in timber construction and a willingness to visit and learn from iconic timber buildings, you’ll go far. The timber sector is poised for huge growth over the next decade. It needs passionate, knowledgeable people who are ready to help shape that future.

If you could change just one thing about the construction industry, what would it be and why?

I’d like to see more innovation and more collaboration. While growing Hundegger sales is always a goal, I also want to see the wider industry investing in new products, services, and international benchmarking.

Too often, suppliers are undervalued, and there’s a reluctance to learn from how others operate abroad. Hundegger offers to facilitate industry trips overseas, but uptake is low. We need to stop reinventing wheels that are already spinning in other parts of the world.

We’ve got access to a global library of successful timber projects, let’s use it.

If you could have dinner with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be and why?

Right now, it would be Gyles Brandreth. I saw him on stage in Oxford recently and have been enjoying his Rosebud podcast. He strikes me as someone with a great sense of humour, a love of life, and a treasure trove of stories.

Add a glass of Bordeaux, and that sounds like a fantastic lunch.